Wichita State celebrates 2,289 stories of grit, growth and graduation
President Rick Muma
As we close out another academic year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our spring 2025 graduates.
This spring, Wichita State awarded 2,289 degrees — 27 associate’s degrees, 1,428 bachelor’s degrees, 574 master’s degrees, 74 doctorates and 186 certificates – to students from 37 states and 53 countries. While more than 70% of our graduates call Kansas home, nearly 15% came to Wichita from out of state, and 13% came from abroad. That variety of experience and perspective helps define the Shocker experience, expanding minds and preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing world. Of this spring's graduates:
- 43.6% are first-generation college students.
- 8.1% are veterans, active-duty military or their dependents.
- Students collectively earned more than $33 million through internships and on-campus jobs — experiences that are central to our applied learning model.
These numbers speak volumes, but the individual stories speak louder. Students like Yumi Kikuchi, who came to Wichita State from Paraguay to earn her master’s in innovation design while leading a NASA SUITS challenge team focused on Mars exploration technology. Or Tyler Winn, a transfer student from Missouri who turned a passion for sports into an internship with the Wichita Thunder and NCAA March Madness, which has launched him into a marketing role with a national pro sports league. Or Ella Anciaux, who balanced Division I basketball with academic excellence and is now preparing for chiropractic school.
These are just a few examples of the talent and drive that define our graduates. Each story is a reminder that Shocker Nation is made up of individuals who make things happen. I invite you to read more of their journeys on our Meet A Shocker page.
As I fist-bumped with graduates at commencement, I was reminded again and again that our students are tenacious and purpose-driven. They have earned every bit of their success; and they’ve done it while juggling jobs, family responsibilities and, often, while facing enormous odds.
This is why we do what we do.
To our newest Shocker alumni: congratulations. You’ve made your mark here, and you’ll continue to do so in your communities and careers. We’re proud of you, and we’ll be cheering you on wherever your path leads.
Go Shockers!
Dr. Rick Muma
President of Wichita State University